Mental Wellness & Trauma

Do you think you may have experienced traumatic events such as physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse? If so, speaking to a professional who is trained in Trauma work is an important step towards healing. Buddhist practice can provide resources for self-regulating but in the case of traumatic stress, this may not be enough.

Buddhist Studies Institute, faculty, staff, and practice leaders are not trained trauma therapists and therefore are not prepared to work through the content of traumatic experiences with members or guests. However, BSI does affirm that It is possible to heal from trauma, however, we believe that this requires skilled, professional support. Furthermore, Pema Khandro teaches that caring for and attending to mental health is an important responsibility for any person, just as caring for our bodily health, mental health requires time and care over our lifetime. 

Whether we are new to Buddhist practice or are serious Buddhist practitioners, utilizing professional support to care for mental health needs is a sign of spiritual maturity. Pema Khandro and BSI do not recommend or endorse any clinicians, counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in programs or on the website. However, here are two possible well-known resources for beginning the process of finding skilled psychologists in your area:

• Emdria  – The EMDR International Association  – emdria.org
• The Sensory Motor Psychotherapy Institute – Sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org